Pope John Paul appealed today for the release of the French and other hostages in Iraq, saying human beings could not be treated like merchandise.
French journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot have been held hostage in Iraq since August.
Among other captives being held are 62-year-old British engineer, Kenneth Bigley, who was seized 17 days ago.
Today a Lebanese truck driver became the latest to be abducted with his kidnappers demanding that Beirut withdraw all its nationals from the country.
